Legislation has now come into force permitting wills to be executed and witnessed using video-link facilities. The legislation has retrospective effect, meaning that any wills executed using video-conferencing since 21 January 2020 will be valid if the correct process was followed. The Wills commentary includes detailed discussion of the processes involved in the witnessing of a will using video-link. Precedents for client instructions, a practitioner’s checklist and an attendance note have been created, as well as example wording for a will attestation clause. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The By Lawyers Practice Management publication has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. Read more...

The period of enforced suspended animation brought about by the pandemic is coming to an end and for the majority there is a sigh of relief and a strong desire to return to normality. However, having been enveloped in a state-controlled protective cocoon for months, the reality is that the Piper’s very large bill now needs be paid and the wake-up call is going to be harsh. Read more...

Our Financial Remedy Guide underwent a recent review with considerable commentary enhancements to include greater practical detail on topics such as financial dispute resolution appointments, costs and clean break lump sums. The Retainer Instructions – Financial Remedy, which is a useful risk management tool, was also further developed to include sections for clients to consider their financial position in order to assist in the completion of a Form E Financial Statement. This is an excellent publication providing practical and useful information for practitioners when conducting a Financial Remedy matter.

The By Lawyers Estates Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a probate matter. The commentary has been expanded, and a new To Do List has been included. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in the administration of an estate.

By Lawyers have published an article with a summary of the options for signing documents when meetings are not possible. Practitioners may find this useful due to the government ‘lockdown’ measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article can be found here.

The Law Society, Council of Licensed Conveyancers, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Bold Legal Group and the Conveyancing Association, with the support of Government departments and the Land Registry have jointly drafted a Variation Agreement, for use where an exchange of contracts has already taken place on a conveyancing transaction, and a practitioner considers that it is necessary to vary its terms due to the impact of the coronavirus. The Variation Agreement and guidance regarding its use are available in both the sale and purchase guides, in the sections relating to Deterioration, Disputes and Notices. Keep up-to-date with our latest COVID-19 News & Updates.

A new precedent Deed of Substituted Security has been added to the By Lawyers Mortgages Guide. This precedent can be adapted to suit most circumstances where a lender hasn’t supplied their own. This precedent can be found in folder G. If required - Discharge, assignment and variation.

The Core Practice Management Standards of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme commenced today. These standards help to clarify the scheme requirements and assist firms to implement the necessary policies, procedures and plans.

Following a user request last week we have drafted a new precedent with a variety of additional enquiries that a purchaser may ask on those less than common occasions. Read more...

The government has launched a 12 week consultation on changes to the conveyancing process. Our article explains more.

The commentary on Private Child Arrangements has been updated to include comprehensive information and relevant case law concerning 16.4 Guardians. Read more...

As part of the continual updates and enhancements which take place across all our guides, we have enhanced the Freehold property disputes – Acting for the claimant guide. Read more...

The client care and terms of business document is often neglected in firms, and getting a signed copy onto the file can be a source of worry and risk. We have streamlined this process by creating some simple documents which are easy to create, use, understand and sign. And, of course, we keep them up-to-date and fresh. Read more...

We have removed the link to Dealing with Brexit legal issues from the top of the matter plans as the changes are no longer urgent. The publication remains in the Reference Materials folder of the Practice Management guide for reference.